Daming: Dad, you are really not good at governing the country

Zhu Yuanzhang leaned back on the dragon throne, narrowed his eyes slightly, and there was a hint of emotion in his eyes.

"I just feel that if Hu Weiyong could have died later, the third brother's situation might be much better than it is now.

As the emperor, there are some things that are inconvenient for Dad to deal with personally, and there is no way to handle them according to the usual procedures."

Zhu Biao stood quietly by and nodded slightly. Although there was a look of doubt on his face, he did not interrupt.

Zhu Yuanzhang paused and continued, "Those treacherous officials are often willing to do those 'dirty jobs' that violate moral ethics and laws in order to satisfy our needs.

Under certain special circumstances, the special talents and methods they possess can indeed help Dad solve some extremely difficult problems.

Take the construction of the Yingtianfu city wall and the creation of an armored fleet for example. If Hu Weiyong were still alive, those obstacles and troubles could be left to him to deal with.

After the matter is accomplished, we will take Hu Weiyong's head to appease the people.

In this way, his death was worthy!
After all, there are no right or wrong in this world. It’s just a matter of weighing the pros and cons.”

For Zhu Biao at this time, Zhu Yuanzhang's words were like a fog, so profound that he could not understand them.

It is even completely different from the cognition that Zhu Biao has held for a long time.

He was in an extreme struggle in his heart. On the one hand, he respected and obeyed his father, which was the result of years of father-son affection and the etiquette between monarch and subject.

On the other hand, there is the justice and moral bottom line that he has adhered to for many years, which is the belief in Zhu Biao's heart.

At this moment, he gritted his teeth and said with determination, "Dad, I have the guts to share my different opinions with you."

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his eyebrows slightly and looked at Zhu Biao, seeming a little surprised, but did not stop him.

Zhu Biao took a deep breath and said slowly: "When I discussed Hu Weiyong's death with you before, you said something.

Today, I, your son, am bold enough to discuss this with you.

He said that so-called loyalty and treachery were actually nothing more than a choice between the interests of the emperor, the interests of the court, and the interests of the people.

These three interests are intertwined, sometimes having more in common and sometimes less.

At this time, the ministers had to make a choice as to whose interests should be the primary consideration.

All loyal ministers basically put the interests of the court and the people first, and the interests of the emperor second.

As for the emperor's emotions, they often don't take them to heart.

On the contrary, treacherous ministers mostly put the emperor's interests first.

Especially the emperor's emotions were put first by them.

As for other people’s ideas and interests, they all have to take a back seat.

In their eyes, the life and death of ordinary people are not worth mentioning.

Therefore, even though employing treacherous officials may stabilize the rule in the short term, it will inevitably arouse public resentment in the long run.

The ancients said: Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it.

These words of Emperor Taizong of Tang Dynasty are full of gems.

I hope that your Majesty can learn from history and not repeat the mistakes of our predecessors!

I really don't want to see the people suffer, and I don't want to see the Ming Dynasty fall into turmoil because of this."

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard Zhu Biao's uncompromising words, he instantly became furious.

He slapped the armrest of the dragon throne and stood up with a "whoosh".

At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang's face suddenly turned gloomy, and a sharp light flashed in his eyes.

He shouted angrily, "Biao'er, you are almost thirty years old now, why are you still so naive and immature in your view of things?
As the saying goes, like father, like son.

If you continue like this, we might as well bring Xiongying to the palace to raise him.

I need to teach him a lesson, so that he won't be as indecisive as you in the future!"

Zhu Biao's heart tightened and his face turned pale. He was filled with mixed emotions when his father mentioned his son.

It was difficult to be a woman in the harem of this feudal dynasty, and it was even more difficult for his Crown Princess Chang.

Chang not only had to take care of all the affairs in the inner palace and observe the virtues of a woman, but also had to shoulder the responsibility of bearing children.

From the birth of Zhu Xiongying in October of the seventh year of Hongwu to the birth of Zhu Yunhuan in November of the eleventh year of Hongwu.

In just four years, Chang gave birth to two sons and two daughters for Zhu Biao.

Even so, the one Zhu Biao loved the most was still his eldest son Zhu Xiongying.

Hearing that Zhu Yuanzhang was going to bring his treasured son into the palace to raise him, Zhu Biao felt a sharp pain in his heart, as if someone was trying to dig out his heart and liver.

His eyes were full of reluctance and determination, which showed a father's deep attachment and protection for his son.

Zhu Biao immediately said without hesitation: "Father, there is something I have never reported to you. I hope you can forgive me."

Seeing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's expression eased slightly and he slowly sat back on the dragon throne.

The corners of his mouth rose slightly, revealing a faint smile.

"Why do we have to be so formal with each other, father and son?

Could it be that Xiongying has made great progress in his studies recently, and you want to show off to your father?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao's face immediately showed an extremely embarrassed expression. He stammered and his words became hesitant.

"Actually...actually, Xiongying has caught a cold recently, and I have asked the imperial physician to treat him.

Fortunately, there is nothing serious. I hope your Majesty does not need to worry."

He prayed secretly in his heart, hoping that his father would believe what he said.

I also hope that my son Zhu Xiongying can recover soon and be safe and sound.

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly, a hint of worry flashed in his eyes, but his tone remained calm.

“Since we have invited the imperial physician, that’s all good.

You must take good care of the child and don’t let him suffer.”

Zhu Biao quickly cupped his hands and replied, "Son, I'll save that."

Zhu Biao's conversation with Zhu Yuanzhang came to a temporary end, and in the Hongwu Military Academy outside the imperial palace, Song Yanzhang's story was quietly unfolding.

Song Yanzhang was born into a poor family, but his family was extremely poor, which could not hide his obsession with military tactics.

In that small room, under the dim oil lamp, he could often be seen studying military books eagerly.

Song Yanzhang often read all night long. When he felt sleepy, he would wash his face with cold water and then continue to immerse himself in the world of military books full of wisdom.

With his extraordinary talent and unremitting efforts, Song Yanzhang was finally able to enter the Hongwu Military Academy.

However, in the academy, he was often looked down upon because of his humble background.

Those rich kids often looked at him with disdain and criticized Song Yanzhang in private.

But he was not discouraged by this. Instead, he worked even harder and devoted himself to studying military tactics.

Several students from wealthy families once banded together to deliberately make things difficult for Song Yanzhang during the academy's collective training.

They threw the most arduous and dangerous tasks to Song Yanzhang, and sneered at him: "Song Yanzhang, you are so poor, are you worthy of training with us?
If you can't do these jobs well, don't let us get hurt."

Song Yanzhang did not say anything, nor did he confront those students head-on, but chose to accept the task.

He calmly looked at the students around him who were of the same background and willing to cooperate with him, and said solemnly: "Listen everyone, although our backgrounds are not as good as theirs, we have plenty of abilities.

As long as everyone works together and divides the work reasonably, we will be able to complete this task." (End of this chapter)